Portable internet server terminal

ABSTRACT

A data terminal includes a digital camera for capturing an image and data processing/storage/encoding means for processing the image information, together with an internal server for creating a web site at the terminal displaying the image. As a result high resolution image information is immediately accessible to authorized users and instantly recorded.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application is related to U.S. Application Ser. No.08/691,263 commonly assigned herewith.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a portable computing device or terminal,and in particular a device arranged to link up to the Internet or aprivate computer network.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0003] The Internet computer network is gaining ever increasingsignificance in the world of science, technology, information andcommerce amongst many others. The Internet will be well known to theskilled reader but, in brief summary, comprises a network of computerspractically worldwide and accessible from any access point suitablylinked to retrieve information contained in the Internet. Varioussub-networks exist within the Internet, one of the best known of whichis the worldwide web.

[0004] Information is commonly stored on the Internet in the form of“pages” often comprising a “home page” relating to a general site andproviding guidance and access to the contents at that site, the contentsbeing contained in “sub-pages”. A site includes a unique InternetProtocol address or Universe Resource Locator (URL). The site can thusbe accessed from any access point to the Internet by entering therelevant address and displaying the site held at that address. The useraccesses the Internet via a client computer, for example a PC linked tothe Internet. The link will typically be via a modem and telephone lineand a service provider or server acts as intermediary, the clientaccessing the Internet via the server. In addition, the server allowsthe user to set up an Internet site. It will be appreciated that theserver generally comprises a fixed station. Such an arrangement can giverise to an unnecessary level of inflexibility. In particular it is oftentime consuming and unnecessarily complex to have to access the fixedstation server to set up or access an Internet site.

[0005] Various developments to Internet related systems have beendisclosed in U.S. patents. For example U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,984 relatesto a security system for connecting computer networks, U.S. Pat. No.544,162 relates to a bridge for connecting parallel processors to theexternal environment, U.S. Pat. No. 517,494 relates to a routingprotocol for multicast messages across the Internet, U.S. Pat. No.416,842 relates to message transmission between firewall servers, U.S.Pat. No. 410,754 relates to an interface between a wire line carrier anda remote host on a Local Area Network (LAN), U.S. Pat. No. 400,335relates to an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)—LAN connectionterminal, U.S. Pat. No. 353,283 relates to packet transmission across aseries of modes in a network, U.S. Pat. No. 351,237 relates to a networkof LAN's connected to an ISDN including a plurality ofrouters/sub-routers. U.S. Pat. No. 309,437 relates to a bridge-typedevice for coupling segments of an extended LAN, U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,468relates to a terminal adapter for connecting a LAN and a Wide AreaNetwork (WAN) using an Internet Standard Protocol, U.S. Pat. No. 276,789relates to graphically displaying computer network topology, U.S. Pat.No. 229,988 relates to a system for classifying duplicate source addressreplies, U.S. Pat. No. 185,860 relates to a system for determining thenodes connected to a computer network and U.S. Pat. No. 166,931 relatesto a system for an inter-network arranged to simplify the networkaddressing system. U.S. Pat. No. 5,442,633 relates to a method forrouting a data packet between a mobile host and a destination host via awireless link between the mobile host and a base station. The basestation acts as a physical location of the mobile host and is linked tothe network via a LAN sub-network.

[0006] The mechanism of file name translation across a distributednetwork are known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,652,incorporated herewith by reference.

[0007] A range of products have been developed by Spyglass Inc.enhancing the Internet connectivity of existing devices. In particularthese products are designed to connect electronic products to theworldwide web such as cellular phones, cable T.V. set-top boxes,televisions, personal digital assistants and pagers, providing theinfrastructure, applications and services to allow these devicesbrowsing capability across the Internet. One such product is availableunder the trade mark REMOTE MOSAIC which converts browsing into a clientservice operation in which lightweight “viewers” are custom-integratedinto devices which connect to a “proxy browser” on a remote server. Theproxy browser handles applications demanding excessive process or memorycapabilities such as caching and connects the device to other servers.

[0008] In another aspect there are numerous situations in which aninstantaneous image of a scene or object is of considerable use andimportance, for example in insurance claims documentation where it isvital to document as accurately and completely as possible thecircumstances against which the insurance claim is made. Conventionallydetails are documented either in writing or by taking photographs usinga film camera. This information is then subsequently entered with allother information relating to the insurance claim. Such a system is timeconsuming and error-prone, in particular because of the subsequentre-entry of information and transfer of the physical photograph to therelevant file. Similar problems arise, for example, in news coverage ofan incident, police or other authorities' incident reports and so forth.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 583,994 relates to a multimedia informationdelivery network system. A wide area transmitter transmits themultimedia programs which are received by a plurality of network serversfor re-transmission to downstream network servers or a user. Theprograms are cached at the network servers as determined by a schedulerfor efficient delivery of the multimedia program to each user.

[0010] In another aspect, data terminals connected to the Internet areconventionally required to download applets in an appropriate agentimplementation language from a host which is a complex and slow process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to avoid, mitigate orovercome the problems associated with prior art arrangements.

[0012] It is a further object of the invention to provide an improveddata device interconnection with the Internet.

FEATURES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0013] According to the present invention there is provided a dataterminal connectable to, and remote from, the Internet comprising a datainput and an internal server for creating an Internet site representingthe input data and having an Internet Protocol address, the terminalfurther comprising a network link cooperating with the server to provideaccess to the site to users elsewhere on the Internet. The system thusprovides substantial benefits as regards speed, efficiency andaccessibility.

[0014] The Internet site may be a web site. The data input may compriseone or more of the group of image recordal means, sound recording means,or text recordal means. The network link may be a wireless network linkcomprising one of the group of a radio frequency link, an infrared IRDAstandard link or a microwave link over a private wireless local areanetwork, or a cellular telephone network.

[0015] According to the present invention there is provided a dataterminal connectable to, and remote from, a data network comprising adata input, means for creating a user accessible data site representingthe input data and having a site address and a network link arranged toreceive access requests from users elsewhere on the network addressed tothe site, and provide access to the addressed site.

[0016] The network may comprise one of the group of the Internet, anIntranet or a Local Area Network (LAN), for example the networkcomprising the Internet and the site address comprising an InternetProtocol address. The site comprises a Web site.

[0017] The data input may comprise one of the group of image recordalmeans, sound recordal means or text recordal means, or even a chemical“sniffer” which detects the presence of certain chemicals in the air(e.g. natural gas, or other combustible or hazardous fumes). The datasite creation and access means may comprise a server internal to theterminal. The network link may be a wireless link comprising one of thegroup of a radio frequency link, an infrared IRDA standard link or amicrowave link.

[0018] According to the invention there is provided a mobile imagerecording unit connectable to the Internet via a wireless linkcomprising image recordal means, a server for creating an Internet sitehaving an Internet Protocol address and representing the recorded imageand a wireless link arranged to provide site access to requests directedto the site address.

[0019] The server may create respective sub-pages for respectiverecorded images and includes a menu setting out the sub-pages on a homepage at the site address.

[0020] According to the invention there is provided an Internet sitecreation and access system comprising a mobile unit including a serverarranged to record images at a given geographical location and create asite representing the image internal to the terminal, wherein the mobileunit communicates with the Internet via a wireless link and users accessthe site at the mobile unit via the Internet.

[0021] According to the invention there is provided a method of creatinga web site in which a mobile unit records data relating to its immediateenvironment, a server within the mobile unit creates a web site pagerepresenting the data and having an Internet Protocol address, andInternet users access the web site at the Internet Protocol address viaa wireless link between the mobile unit and the Internet.

[0022] According to the invention there is provided an image capture andrelay system comprising a remote still image capture device including anencoder for encoding the captured image as an image data signal and atransmitter for transmitting the image data signal, the system furthercomprising a base station for receiving the image data signal andproviding access to the image data. As a result, prompt access to theimage is allowed at the base station.

[0023] The image capture device may comprise a digital camera and manyfurther include a bar code reader and/or a microphone and/or a user datainput device and/or include a printer, preferably arranged to print barcode symbols or a hard copy version of the captured image.

[0024] The image capture device may include a visual display screen and,advantageously means for altering an image displayed on the visualdisplay screen.

[0025] According to the invention there is further provided a stillimage capture device comprising a digital camera, an encoder forencoding the still image as an image data signal, and a transmitter fortransmitting the image data signal by wireless transmission to a remotebase station.

[0026] According to the invention there is further provided a method ofcapturing and relaying an image comprising the steps of capturing theimage using a remote image capture device, encoding the captured imageas an image data signal and transmitting the image data signal, theencoder and transmitter being provided in the remote image capturedevice, and receiving the transmitted image data signal in a basestation for distributing the image. The image captured may relate to agiven incident and the base station may transfer the received image toan insurance database relating to the incident.

[0027] The image captured may relate to the condition of goods prior todelivery and the received image may be transferred from the base stationto a delivery point for comparison with the received goods.

[0028] The image captured may relate to the condition of goods to bedelivered, the image data signal may be encoded as a bar code symbolapplied to the goods to be delivered, and the bar code symbol may bedecoded at the point of delivery for comparison of the captured imagewith the condition of the goods as received.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The foregoing objects and advantages of the present invention maybe more readily understood by one skilled in the art with referencebeing had to the following detailed description of several preferredembodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawingswherein like elements are designated by identical reference numeralsthroughout several views, and in which:

[0030]FIG. 1 shows a terminal according to the present inventionarranged to link with the Internet;

[0031]FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the connection system shown atFIG. 1;

[0032]FIG. 3 shows an alternative configuration according to the presentinvention;

[0033]FIG. 4 is a flow diagram representing operation of the presentinvention;

[0034]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a data terminal according to thepresent invention;

[0035]FIG. 6 shows an implementation of the data terminal according tothe present invention;

[0036]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing components of the data terminalof FIG. 5;

[0037]FIG. 8 shows a hand-held data terminal;

[0038]FIG. 9 is a detail of a data terminal according to the presentinvention having highlighting capabilities;

[0039]FIG. 10 shows a data terminal according to another aspect of theinvention; and

[0040]FIG. 11 shows an alternative configuration for the terminal ofFIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] A conventional Internet link is shown referring to the schematicdiagram at FIG. 1, and block diagram of FIG. 2 and includes a remoteterminal data device 1 comprising, for example, a lap-top computer, a PCor a mobile unit as discussed in more detail below linked to a server 2via a suitable link 3 which can be a telephone link, incorporating asuitable modem, a wireless link or a cellular telephone link amongstother possibilities which will be evident to the skilled person. Theserver 2 is in turn interconnected via line 4 to the Internet shownschematically at 5. When the user wishes to access a web site the website address is entered at terminal 1 and server 2 brings up the website 6 at the given address from the Internet 5. Similarly when the userwishes to create a site, the relevant information is entered at terminal1 and the site is created via server 2.

[0042] Whilst the system shown in FIG. 1 allows centralised site accessand creation, it will be appreciated in certain circumstances the systemis cumbersome, for example where it is desired to create a site veryquickly. In addition, whereas in some circumstances a user will simplyknow what information is sought, and will “browse” through the Internetto find a site containing that information, in some circumstances theuser may be entirely aware of the exact site which he wishes to accessirrespective of the information contained at the site. In that case thecentralised system shown in FIG. 1 can give rise to unnecessary delays.

[0043] An improved system according to the present invention is shown asa block diagram in FIG. 3. Briefly within the client terminal 1 itselfsuitable server software 2 is retained. Accordingly the client is ableto create an Internet site directly, the Internet site 6 being stored atthe server again directly at the terminal 1. The client/server thenaccesses the Internet 5 via a line or wireless link 4. As is well known,the Internet can be accessed generally by access points AP₁ to AP_(N).

[0044] As a result the invention allows a Internet site such as a website to be set up at the terminal without the requirement of accessing adedicated server, as appropriate server software is included at theclient terminal. When a third party wishes to access the site, they willhave or be able to obtain details of the client server address and canthus access the client server via the Internet.

[0045] A particular implementation of the invention arises in relationto client/servers provided in remote, mobile terminals communicatingwith the Internet via an access point with which it is in wirelesscommunication. In that case data is entered at the mobile unit,generally relating to the physical environment at which the mobile unitis presently located such as an image of the surrounding scene. Userswishing to access that data merely need the client/server address. Theaddress is entered at the relevant access point to the Internet and thesite is pulled up directly from the client/server. It will be seen thatthe client/server can include a home page which is actually pulled bythe user, the specific sub-pages at the site being accessible via thehome page, once the home page has been accessed.

[0046] The system can use a data terminal of the type designatedgenerally 10 in FIG. 5. The central elements to the data terminal 10comprises a digital camera having a lens 12 and a wireless Internet link18.

[0047] Digital cameras are well known and the detailed structure will beapparent to the skilled man such that a detailed description is notrequired here. Briefly, however, the digital camera includes a lenssystem 12 for focusing an image onto a CCD (charge coupled device)array. The image is thus pixelised and encoded, for example as a bitstream. The encoded signal is decoded and displayed on a visual displayscreen 14 or output as hard copy. A “still” image is obtained in thesame manner but by recording an instantaneous image. The majority of thecomponents of the digital camera are not shown in FIG. 5 for thepurposes of clarity. A CCD camera is preferable over, say, a lasercamera as images can be recorded from a greater distance.

[0048] The data terminal 10 further comprises a keyboard 16. In order torecord an image the lens 12 of the data terminal 10 is directed at thescene to be recorded. This is preferably displayed on the visual displayscreen 14. When a desired image is isolated a button, for example on thekeyboard 16, is pressed and a still image recorded.

[0049] In the embodiment shown, the data terminal 10 further includesvarious optional and required components. The principal requiredcomponent is a wireless signal transmitter 18 which, as discussed inmore detail below, relays the recorded image to a remote access pointfor distribution from that point. Optionally the data terminal 10further includes a microphone 20 for recording, for example, a verbaldescription of the recorded scene, a bar code reader 22 allowingalternative or complementary operation of the data terminal 10, aphysical interface 24 for downloading of information stored in the dataterminal 10 to a terminal to which it is connected by cable or otherlink and a printer output slot for outputting a hard copy of the image,additional information, or as discussed in more detail below, a bar codesymbol representative of the stored image. In addition, as discussedabove, the terminal further includes server software allowing creationof a web site at the terminal. The web site can contain, for example,recorded images or sounds from the environment of the terminal togetherwith text input at the keyboard and/or the user's recorded verbalcommentary. A further feature that can be incorporated into the terminalis a global positioning system (GPS) of a known type. The GPScommunicates with GPS satellites via a suitable antenna (not shown). Asa result the specific geographical location of the mobile device can beimmediately ascertained. This can be provided as additional informationbroadcast by the device and can also be used by a central trackingsystem to ascertain where all the devices are at a given time.

[0050] Once again specific details of the various individual componentswill be well known to the skilled reader and, for the purposes ofclarity, are not repeated here.

[0051] In order to minimise costs the network architecture is designedto minimise the amount of data traffic over the highest costcommunication links. This can be done for example by selecting acommunication route which utilises the cheapest available lines. Wherethis can lead to delay a prioritisation system can be introducedensuring that communications in respect of which delay is unimportantcan be sent on a cost optimised basis whereas those signals for whichthe speed of transmission is important are sent on a urgency basis. Forexample where wireless communication gives rise to high costs as againstphysical interface communication, low priority information can bedownloaded physically from the terminal to a cradle to reduce the powerand processing burden and general cost burden.

[0052] An alternative terminal configuration can be based on thearrangement disclosed in U.S. Application Ser. No. 08/691,263, filedAug. 2 1996, assigned herewith. That specification describes a modulartype terminal having interchangeable data collection modules, togetherwith a detailed discussion of communications between mobile units andthe Internet.

[0053] The system can be used for coverage of news events. A journalistholding the terminal can store images of a news event, and record areport on the event. A web site can be instantaneously set up at theterminal via the internal server holding the report and other data.Accordingly a user wishing to find out about the news event merely needsto access the site via the network. The address could be known to theuser or could be available from a central site on the Internetdisclosing where various mobile units are located, and providing theirsite addresses. It will be seen that the technology could furtherincorporate a pay-per-view type system whereby the user is automaticallybilled for accessing the site. It will be seen that many otherapplications can be envisaged. For example a police report of the sceneof an incident, or an insurance operative report can be accessedactually on location at the incident rather than relying on transfer toa stand-alone server for creation of a web site at that level.

[0054] According to the embodiment any suitable form of wirelesscommunication between the client/server and the Internet can beutilised. Such systems are well known for roaming units, whereby accesspoints to the Internet arranged to receive communications from mobileunits are located at various geographical points. Known algorithms canbe used for selecting which access point is the most suitable. Thecommunication can itself be by radio waves or an optical link such as anIRDA Standard Protocol. It will be seen that another of the advantagesof the system is that the site is stored at the terminal and need onlybe down-loaded on demand via the wireless link thus reducing the costthat would be incurred by transferring data continuously. Data that isnever requested can be transferred over a less costly connection at alater time.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 4 a flow chart of the operation of the terminal1 is shown. At step 110 the desired data, for example an image or anaudio recording is captured. The data is then encoded at step 112 into asuitable format to be rendered as a web page, for example by creating abit map. At step 114 the encoded data is processed to create a suitableweb page according to the desired format, as determined by the serversoftware and any user input. The process can then branch to step 116where the page is stored at the terminal. When a page access request isreceived at 118 by a remote user called up the known address for theterminal the page is displayed at the terminal web site. According to anenhanced system, the process branches at 114 also allowing a specificpage address to be created for the particular data stored in the givenprocess, at step 120. The address and details of the page stored at theaddress are displayed on a home page at step 122. This allows a menu tobe created for the terminal such that more than one page is available.Accordingly when the site is accessed at 124 by a remote user the remoteuser has the option of selecting the relevant sub-page displayed at thehome page at step 126, allowing display of any desired page, returningto step 120. The system thus allows quick and easy operation with noprogramming required and in particular no HTML requirement. Aninstantaneous web page can be set up using the server software, theimage to be displayed being stored simply by pointing the terminal at itand “clicking”. Once again, the system can be designed with costoptimization in mind, ensuring that a minimum amount of data trafficoccupies high-cost communication links.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 6 one possible implementation of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention is shown. Where, for example, thepolice or other authorities, or an insurance operative wish to recorddetails of a scene shown generally at 30, the image is captured as astill digital camera image by the data terminal 10 in the mannerdiscussed above. The stored image is encoded, for example as a bitstream and the bit stream is transmitted or relayed via the transmitter18 to a remote point.

[0057] In the embodiment shown the image information is relayed fromtransmitter 18 to an intermediate booster transmitter 32. This caneither be one of a network spread across an area or can, for example, becarried in the data terminal user's vehicle or a carrying case. The useof a booster transmitter 32 reduces the broadcast power requirements ofthe data terminal 10 allowing more space to be dedicated to datastorage/processing means or accessories, and increasing the batterylife. It will be appreciated that the booster transmitter is, however,optional and in many cases will not be required. Transmission can takeplace via a RF wireless link microwave or other suitable wirelesscommunication method. Where the vehicle is part of a larger GPSmonitored tracking system the arrangement of the present invention canbe a module incorporated into the system.

[0058] Either the transmitter 18 in the data terminal 10 or the boostertransmitter 32 relays the image information to an access point 34including a receiver for receiving the relayed information signal. Thereceived signal is input to a processor/data storage/decoder device 36.The image can then be transferred to any desired device, for example acentral data storage device for the user to access on return to hispremises (for example an Intranet or LAN), or a news and informationnetwork (such as the Internet) where it is desired to broadcast theimage, or to a police or other authorities' information database whereit is desired to record and document the image. The transmitted signalfrom the data terminal 10 may also include information such as thedesired destination of the image, additional information relating to thecircumstances, encoded information representative of recordings of anyverbal messages or recordings of sound messages further explaining thecircumstances as recorded by the microphone 20. Information relating tothe circumstances, or the destination of the image can be input viakeyboard 16.

[0059] Where the web page is created on site at the terminal using ainternal server, the transmission system described above can equally beused for third party access to the web page.

[0060] A block diagram showing the components of the data terminal 10 isillustrated in FIG. 7. The data terminal includes various inputscomprising suitable transducers for converting the input signals toelectronic signals. The inputs include the digital camera input 44including a CCD array transducer, an audio signal input 46 including amicrophone transducer and a bar code symbol signal input including, forexample, a CCD array. Each of the signals is input to an encoding ordigitising sub-processor respectively 50,52,54, and the processed signalfrom each sub-processor is transferred to a data storage and processingdevice 56. The data is stored, processed and relayed as appropriate tovarious outputs. Data relating to the image captured by the digitalcamera 44 and, as appropriate, any bar code data or audio data istransferred to a transmitter module 58 and is transmitted as describedabove at output 60. A hard copy of the still image, or, as discussedbelow, a bar code symbol representative thereof is output via printerdrive module 62 and output 64. Where it is desired to download storedinformation via a physical interface this is done at output 66. Inaddition the data store/processor 56 receives information input to thekeyboard 16 via a line 68 and sends the image from the digital camerainput 44 to the visual display screen 14 via line 70. The system as awhole is powered by power supply 72, for example a battery. Where theterminal is configured to create a web page on site, a server can beincorporated in hardware (or software or a combination of hardware andsoftware) as shown at 57.

[0061] Accordingly it will be seen that in one aspect the image data canbe captured automatically and transmitted to a common databaseaccessible to authorised users. The images could be transported and/oraccessed via video servers, collaborative work group software anddistributed multimedia, and implemented by desktop videoteleconferencing. Processing of the image can be carried out on the rawdata once it has been transmitted to the main network, allowing afurther reduction in the processing requirements and hence the power andspace requirements for the data terminal itself.

[0062] A particular advantage of using a digital camera is that theimage can be stored at high to medium resolution and transmittedelectronically with a minimum of intermediate processing.

[0063] It will be seen that a wide range of applications are available,in particular relating to industries generally in which photographic(digital) images are regularly taken in the field. An alternative to theinsurance claims documentation application discussed above, wherebids/estimates were involved the item in respect of which thebid/estimate is provided, documenting for example the work required onthe basis of which the bid or estimate was based could be recorded.Similarly where repair work or improvement work was contemplated, anappraisal could be made taking into account stored images. The systemcould be used as a general aid to documentation of items orcircumstances. As discussed above, the system could be implemented inlaw enforcement. For example the scene of a crime or an accident couldbe stored and relayed or accessed. Indeed felons could be photographedand the image compared against a suitable database for identificationpurposes using known image comparison techniques. The system can also beused as a preliminary aid to more exhaustive documentation ofcircumstances such as proofing and/or test shots. The data is preferablyrelayed as determined by a network architecture designed to reducetransmission costs by minimising transmissions over high-costcommunication links.

[0064] As will be seen for all of the above possible applications andall other applications the system includes particular and significantadvantages, in particular providing immediate access to images for thirdparties privy to the image distribution network, providing access to allusers simultaneously as desired, expediting processing time (as a resultof immediate accessing), improving accuracy and/or efficiency, as aresult of the availability of more precise information in particular inhigh resolution implementations, and associated cost savings inparticular resulting from decreased processing time and improvedaccuracy.

[0065] Yet a further possible implementation of the arrangement would beas a remote fire alarm or smoke detector. A terminal including the basiccomponents of a digital camera or other image recordal means and networkconnectivity can be permanently or detachably mounted at a zone where itis desired to monitor for fire, smoke, poisonous gases or any other suchhazard. The terminal further includes a hazard detector of any suitabletype such as a smoke detector, a heat detector, a noxious substancedetector or other. All these detectors are well known to the skilled manand do not require further description here. In the case, for example,of a fire alarm terminal, when a heat detector detects that the ambienttemperature has risen over a preset limit the terminal is activated tocapture a still or moving image of the scene. At the same time theterminal notifies the relevant authorities such as the fire services andthe image is transmitted in a manner discussed above to an access pointat the fire station. Accordingly the scene can be reviewed and it can beassessed whether a true fire risk exists or whether other activity towhich the increase in temperature is attributable can be detected suchas cooking activity. As a result false alarms can be to a large extentavoided. It will be seen that a similar approach can be adopted forother hazard detectors, where an image of the scene is transmitted tosuitable authorities when a potential risk is first detected for furtherassessment before full mobilisation.

[0066] A further implementation for which the system of the presentinvention according to a further aspect would be particularly suited andwhich would benefit from the advantages discussed above is in the fieldof goods transfer, for example parcel delivery. When a damaged parcel isreceived there is no way to know immediately the condition of the parcelwhen shipped. The system of the present invention would, however, beable to acquire the image and transmit it to a remote location or createa suitable web page on site. The image could then be accessed at thereceiving depot and compared with the actual received parcel toestablish whether the condition had changed in any way. An alternativeoption would be to print the image information in a bar code format, thebar code itself being attached to the parcel itself. The bar code symbolcould be decoded at the receiving depot, once again to compare the imagewith the received parcel. Evidently a high resolution bar code symbolwill be required, for example under protocol PDF 417. The reader shownin FIG. 5 includes the capability for such an arrangement including aprinter and printer slot 26.

[0067] It will be appreciated that the embodiments described aboverelate to specific possible implementation of the invention, and thatthe invention embraces a number of alternatives. For example, as shownin FIG. 8 the data terminal 10 is configured with ergonomicconsiderations in mind, fitting comfortably into the palm of the user'shand. As a result the data terminal 10 can be quickly and accuratelydirected towards an image to be recorded, using the visual displayscreen to ensure that the image is as desired. At the same time thekeyboard can be manipulated comfortably using the user's other hand tocapture the image, input additional information and so forth.Alternatively the terminal may be in the form of a conventional camera,or a video camera, or any other appropriate configuration allowing imagecapture, and, preferably, data input.

[0068] The digital camera preferably includes auto focus capabilitiesand manual zoom capabilities with a separate button/trigger for zooming,which button/trigger may form part of the keyboard or may be providedseparately. The manual zoom feature will assist in taking close-ups ofthe subject to be imaged. As mentioned above, a printer, for example alow density, low quality printer can be included in the data terminal,or provided as an add-on, so that a hard copy of the image is availablein the field. As also discussed above, the image could be printed in PDF417 format for subsequent decoding.

[0069]FIG. 11 shows an alternative configuration for a data terminal.The terminal 10 contains generally all of the components discussed inrelation to the other embodiments herein. However the terminal 10 isconfigured in a “point and shoot” design and includes a grip portion 120and a barrel portion 122. The grip portion is configured to sitcomfortably and easily, with optimum balance, in the user's hand andfurther carries a trigger 124 and a thumb wheel 126. A display 128 andoptional keypad 130 are provided on the upper face of the barrel portion122 to allow easy viewing and input access to the user. The camera lensor other image recordal means are provided on the front face of thebarrel portion 122 (not shown) allowing the user simply to point theterminal 10 in the direction it is desired to record in. When thedesired scene is viewed on a display 128 capture is effected byactivation of the trigger 124. Zoom can be controlled by the thumb wheel126 which is preferably located for optimum ease of use by the user'sthumb when the grip portion 120 is held by the user.

[0070] The processing speed and storage capabilities of the componentsof the data terminal can of course be determined according to theeventual cost of the system, for example a slower and hence cheapermicroprocessor can be incorporated. For more high-end applications thedata terminal could additionally include an SRAM card to store the stillimages. In addition the visual display screen 14 can, as shown in FIG. 9include LCD (liquid crystal display) capabilities. Accordingly using asuitable pen 100, the image can be altered for example by ringing orotherwise highlighting areas of interest, the alterations beingrepresented on the LCD display as 102 in FIG. 9. The alterations can bedeleted or revised additionally using the keyboard as appropriate.

[0071] The range of implementations, and the speed and efficiency of thesystem can be further enhanced by also incorporating bar code readercapabilities into, or in conjunction with, the data terminal. Theconstruction and applications of bar code readers will be well known tothe skilled man and do not require a detailed description here. Briefly,however, a bar code symbol comprises one or more rows of light and darkregions, typically in the form of rectangles or, for the case oftwo-dimensional codes, in the form of a two-dimensional array of lightand dark spaces. The dimensions of the dark and light regions indicateencoded information to be read. A bar code symbol reader illuminates thesymbol using reading beam generating means and senses light reflectiveon the coded regions using reading beam detecting means to detect thedimensions of the coded regions. A decoder decodes the detected encodedinformation. Known symbols which include, for example, UPC/EAN, Coder128, Codabar and Interleaved 2 of 5.

[0072] One known type of bar code reader comprises a data wand asdisclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,471,218, incorporated herein byreference.

[0073]FIG. 10 shows a data terminal 10 of the type described hereinabove further incorporating an optical reader 110 incorporated in thedata terminal 10. The reader 110 includes reading beam generating anddetecting means and the data terminal 10 includes processing means fordecoding the detected encoded information. The reader 110 may compriseeither a “flying-spot” laser scanner including means for scanning thereading beam or a “field of view” optical reader including a CCD arrayas detector. Both types of reader will be well known to the skilledreader and a full description of the components and operation is notprovided here.

[0074] It will be appreciated that a wide range of implementations canbe envisaged for the data terminal 10 shown in FIG. 10. In particular itmay be useful in many circumstances to be able to read informationencoded in bar codes to adduce additional information to that retrievedby the data terminal from the external environment.

[0075] A particularly advantageous embodiment is shown in FIG. 10. Inparticular a book or other printer matter 114 is provided which can becarried by the user including printed bar codes 116 which are read bythe reader 110 and the information contained therein utilised by thedata terminal 10. As discussed in more detail below, the data terminal10 in fact comprises an Internet server capable of creating a web siteat the data terminal carrying, for example, information relating to theexternal environment around the data terminal for access by userselsewhere on the Internet. In such circumstances the terminal mightconventionally wish to download executable code from a host machineusing an agent implementation language such as Java (a trade mark). Thissystem can be cumbersome and time consuming in view of the level ofcommunications required between the client and the host. The presentinvention solves this problem by storing the executable code (applets)in the form of two-dimensional high density bar codes 116 in the book114. Each bar code symbol 116 is identified by a suitable short title orother identifying information in the book. When it is required to accessan applet the user is merely required to read the two-dimensional barcode using the bar code reader 110, and the executable code isimmediately downloaded to the data terminal 10 for the data terminal 10to use it as appropriate.

[0076] The invention allows the user to carry a conventional book—forexample having five hundred pages of 2-D applet codes. Such a book wouldnot be cumbersome and would indeed be attractive to many users. Thesystem allows greatly accelerated downloading of applets in as little asfifteen seconds. Conventional downloading systems would still be waitingfor connection to the host in that range of time scale.

[0077] It will be appreciated that any suitable executable code could bestored in a desired language in the two-dimensional bar codes 116. Awide range of different applets could of course be stored according tothis system and indexed appropriately. Indeed the system could be usedfor fixed or dedicated clients as well as the remote, mobile client dataterminal shown in FIG. 10.

[0078] It will be seen that the data terminal can communicate with anysuitable data network, for example an access point to the Internet, orto a closed dedicated system relating to the user or to which the usersubscribes together with other users. Communication can be by way of RFcommunication or, if appropriate, infrared or microwave communication,or any other suitable wireless communication method.

[0079] It will be appreciated that any of the features discussed inrelation to one embodiment can, as appropriate, be incorporated in anyother embodiment without departing from the teaching of the presentspecification.

[0080] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal thegist of the present invention that others can readily adapt to variousapplications without omitting features that, of the standpoint of priorart, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic orspecific aspects of the invention and, therefore, such adaptions shouldand are intended to be compounded within the meaning and range ofequivalents of the following claims.

1. A data terminal connectable to, and remote from, the Internetcomprising a data input and an internal server for creating an Internetsite representing the input data and having an Internet Protocoladdress, the terminal further comprising a network link cooperating withthe server to provide access to the site to users elsewhere on theInternet.
 2. A terminal as claimed in claim 1 in which the Internet siteis a web site.
 3. A terminal as claimed in claim 1 in which the datainput comprises one or more of the group of image recordal means, soundrecording means, or text recordal means.
 4. A terminal as claimed inclaim 1 in which the network link is a wireless network link.
 5. Aterminal as claimed in claim 4 in which the wireless link comprises oneof the group of a radio frequency link, an infrared IRDA standard linkor a microwave link.
 6. A data terminal connectable to, and remote from,a data network comprising a data input, means for creating a useraccessible data file representing the input data and having a networkaddress and a network link arranged to receive access requests fromusers elsewhere on the network and provide access to the file.
 7. Aterminal as claimed in claim 6 in which the network comprises one of thegroup of the Internet, an Intranet or a Local Area Network (LAN).
 8. Aterminal as claimed in claim 6 in which the network comprises theInternet and the network address comprises an Internet Protocol address.9. A terminal as claimed in claim 8 in which the file comprises a website.
 10. A terminal as claimed in claim 6 in which the data inputcomprises one of the group of image recordal means, sound recordal meansor text recordal means.
 11. A terminal as claimed in claim 6 in whichthe data file creation and access means comprises a server internal tothe terminal.
 12. A terminal as claimed in claim 6 in which the networklink is a wireless link comprising one of the group of a radio frequencylink, an infrared IRDA standard link or a microwave link.
 13. A terminalas claimed in claim 6 in which the data network is governed by a networkarchitecture designed to optimise cost.
 14. A terminal as claimed inclaim 13 in which the network architecture is designed to minimise datatraffic over high cost communication links.
 15. A mobile image recordingunit connectable to the Internet via a wireless link comprising imagerecording means, an Internet server for creating an addressable filerepresenting a recorded image and a wireless link arranged to provideaccess to the file.
 16. A unit as claimed in claim 15 in which theserver creates respective sub-pages for respective recorded images andincludes a menu setting out the sub-pages on a home page at the fileaddress.
 17. An Internet file creation and access system comprising amobile unit including a server arranged to record images at a givengeographical location and create, internal to the terminal a filerepresenting the image wherein the mobile unit communicates with theInternet via a wireless link and users access the file via the Internet.18. A method of creating a web site in which a mobile unit records datarelating to its immediate environment, a server within the mobile unitcreates a web site page representing the data and having an InternetProtocol address, and Internet users access the web site at the InternetProtocol address via a wireless link between the mobile unit and theInternet.
 19. An image capture and relay system comprising a remotestill image capture device including an encoder for encoding thecaptured image as an image data signal and a transmitter fortransmitting the image data signal, the system further comprising a basestation for receiving the image data signal and providing access to theimage data.
 20. A system as claimed in claim 18 in which the imagecapture device comprises a digital camera.
 21. A system as claimed inclaim 19 in which the image capture device further includes a bar codereader.
 22. A system as claimed in claim 19 in which the image capturedevice further includes a microphone.
 23. A system as claimed in claim19 in which the image capture device further includes a user data inputdevice.
 24. A system as claimed in claim 19 in which the image capturedevice further includes a printer.
 25. A system as claimed in claim 24in which the printer is arranged to print bar code symbols.
 26. A systemas claimed in claim 22 in which the printer is arranged to print a hardcopy version of the captured image.
 27. A system as claimed in claim 19in which the image capture device includes a visual display screen. 28.A system as claimed in claim 27 further comprising means for altering animage displayed on the visual display screen.
 29. A system as claimed inclaim 19 further comprising global positioning system capability.
 30. Asystem as claimed in claim 19 in which the image capture device includesa body portion and a user grip portion projecting from the body portion.31. A system as claimed in claim 30 in which a trigger is providedassociated with the grip portion and arranged to actuate image capture.32. A system as claimed in claim 30 in which a variable control isprovided associated with the grip portion for controlling image zoom.33. A system as claimed in claim 32 in which the variable controlcomprises a thumb wheel.
 34. A system as claimed in claim 19 in whichthe image capture device further includes hazard detector means forlocation in a hazard zone.
 35. A system as claimed in claim 34 in whichthe hazard detector means comprises one of the group of a smokedetector, heat detector, fume detector, motion detector.
 36. A system asclaimed in claim 34 in which on detection of a hazard an image of thehazard zone is captured and transmitted to the relevant hazard controlauthority for review.
 37. A system as claimed in claim 19 in which theimage data signal is transmitted along a cost-optimised transmissionroute.
 38. A system as claimed in claim 37 in which the communicationroute is determined selecting the lowest cost communication links.
 39. Adata network including a first transmission point, a second receptionpoint, a plurality of intermediate transfer points, communications linkhaving an associated cost factor linking respective pairs of points, inwhich the transmission is routed from the first point to the secondpoint via one or more transfer points selected to minimise the cost ofthe associated communication links.
 40. A still image capture devicecomprising a digital camera, an encoder for encoding the still image asan image data signal, and a transmitter for transmitting the image datasignal by wireless transmission to a remote base station.
 41. A methodof capturing and relaying an image comprising the steps of capturing theimage using a remote image capture device, encoding the captured imageas an image data signal and transmitting the image data signal, theencoder and transmitter being provided in the remote image capturedevice, and receiving the transmitted image data signal in a basestation for distributing the image.
 42. A method as claimed in claim 41in which the image captured relates to a given incident and the basestation transfers the received image to an insurance database relatingto the incident.
 43. A method as claimed in claim 41 in which the imagecaptured relates to the condition of goods prior to delivery and thereceived image is transferred from the base station to a delivery pointfor comparison with the received goods.
 44. A method as claimed in claim41 in which the image captured relates to the condition of goods to bedelivered, the image data signal is encoded as a bar code symbol appliedto the goods to be delivered, and the bar code symbol is decoded at thepoint of delivery for comparison of the captured image with thecondition of the goods as received.
 45. A data terminal comprising areader for reading machine readable indicia, wherein the reader isarranged to read indicia encoding machine-executable instructions and adata processor arranged to decode and execute the instructions.
 46. Aterminal as claimed in claim 45 connective to a computer network via anetwork interface.
 47. A terminal as claimed in claim 45 in which themachine readable indicia comprises a bar code symbol.
 48. A terminal asclaimed in claim 45 in which the machine readable instructions areexpressed in an agent implementation language.
 49. A terminal as claimedin claim 45 in which the terminal includes a terminal housing and anInternet interface, data processor and reader are provided within theterminal housing.
 50. A data terminal as claimed in claim 45 in whichthe reader is connected to the terminal via a physical link.
 51. Aterminal as claimed in claim 50 in which the reader comprises one of thegroup of a “flying spot” optical scanner or a “field of view” opticalreader.
 52. A terminal as claimed in claim 45 in which the terminalcomprises a remote terminal arranged to connect with a computer networkvia a wireless link.
 53. An Internet connective data system comprising adata terminal including an Internet interface, a data processor and areader for reading machine readable indicia, and a printed indiciadisplay, wherein the printed indicia comprises machine readable encodedInternet related applications, the reader is arranged to read theindicia and the data processor is arranged to decode and execute theapplications.
 54. A method of accessing an Internet related applicationwherein a data terminal is provided including a reader for readingmachine readable indicia, a data processor and an Internet interface,wherein a plurality of machine readable printed indicia encodingInternet related applications are provided from printed matter, one ormore indicia are read by the reader, the Internet related application isdecoded and executed by the data processor for interface as appropriatewith the Internet.